Oct. 2 (UPI) — French trade unions launched a new set of strikes in the country as frustration grows against the new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and his decision to keep quiet on his plans for a new budget.
Lecornu is a member of the Renaissance party, which leans center-right. His opposition party is the Socialist Party, which leans center-left and is led by Olivier Faure.
Lecornu became prime minister on Sept. 10 when Prime Minister Francois Bayrou resigned after a no-confidence vote in the French parliament. Angry protests called the “Block Everything” movement blocked streets and businesses throughout France after Bayrou announced his plan to cut the budget by over $50 billion. He proposed removing two national holidays, freezing pensions for 2026 and cutting billions in health spending.
Since Lecornu took office, he hasn’t proposed a budget or hinted at his plans. He also hasn’t named members of his cabinet, frustrating the opposition and the public. His budget proposal is due in less than a week.
“If nothing changes, the outcome is already known … This government will fall,” Politico reported Faure said.
Another sticking point is the “Zucman tax,” a proposed 2% tax on those worth more than $117 million. Lecornu has said he’s against it because it includes professional assets. But he has acknowledged the country’s support for a more equitable tax structure.
Thursday’s strike is likely to be smaller than the last one and less disruptive to transport and schools. It includes about 240 marches throughout towns and cities around France.
Aurélie Gagnier, co-general secretary of the FSU-SNUipp education union, told The Guardian education workers’ strike involvement is over the “lack of political clarity.”
“But the workers we meet support the need for more tax justice and social justice and recognize the need for a budget that addresses schools’ needs,” she said.
